Ports of Auckland has decided to end the automation of the Fergusson Container Terminal with the board chair, Jan Dawson saying the decision has been taken after "careful consideration of the current status of the project, advice from independent experts, and the work required to achieve full terminal automation."
Dawson pointed out that there are continuing delays in the project and the system does not achieve expected performance. "We do not have confidence in the projected timeline or cost to completion," he noted.
Therefore, the board has determined that the best choice is to cease the automation of the port's container terminal.
"The end of automation does not mean the loss of all the investment and work that went into it. The new infrastructure built as part of the project – for example, the new wharf and cranes – provides extra capacity which is essential for future growth," said chief executive, Roger Gray, who added that the port "will have to write-off approximately US$65 million in investments which will no longer be used, mainly the automation software and guidance system."
